Volunteer in India

  India

Mumbai,  Rural Areas

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks

Description: World Endeavors offers several enriching volunteer programs across India in both urban and rural areas. These projects provide a culturally-immersive experience while allowing volunteers to make a meaningful contribution to the Indian people. Volunteers can choose from the following projects:

(Teaching Children) Volunteers help shape young lives in India by sharing their English skills and teaching talents. They teach English and many other subjects to elementary school children from 5-12 years of age. Native or fluent English speakers with or without formal teaching experience can contribute greatly to a child's educational development. Volunteers assist local teachers in the instruction of classes and are encouraged to use tools such as music, sports, dancing, or drama to teach the children in a fun and dynamic way.

(Orphanage Assistance) Orphans are deprived of many opportunities necessary for their development. Through education and compassion, children are empowered to challenge a life of further poverty and exploitation. Volunteers provide basic daily care for the orphans and are also encouraged to actively participate in programs such as health education, games, drawing, and painting.

(Street Children Assistance) Neglected, abandoned, or run-away children on the streets in the cities of India live a life that is often void of love and warmth, safety, protection, and parental care. Volunteers help to change this reality through their involvement in after-school programs. They volunteer directly with social workers and may help to administer programs such as English language training, computer training, and medical care.

(Social Welfare and Community Outreach) There are a number of community outreach initiatives designed to help underprivileged children, families, the elderly, and the disabled in Indian cities and villages. Volunteers can make a difference in the lives of these families through help with after school programs, adult education, computer training for teenagers and street children, and other valuable programs.

(Environmental Conservation) India is known for its amazing environmental diversity. Yet, problems such as loss of bio-diversity, deforestation, desertification, over-grazing, and air and water pollution are significant. Environmental conservation projects address these issues directly through community education and collaboration as well as hands-on conservation work such as planting and research.

Highlights: India is a land of contrasts. The vast snow clad Himalayas rear behind the rich fertile Gangetic plains. There are the arid desserts of Koteshwar on the western edge of the subcontinent, and the virgin, verdant rainforests of the Kivithoo on the eastern tip of India. There is the spectacular sunrise in the Kashmir valley in the north and the mesmerizing sunset at Land's End in Kanyakimari. Add to the abundant geographical diversity, the rich diversity of the people and the culture, with six major religions, 18 major languages, and numerous racial and ethnic groups, and it would seem that India is more like a dozen distinct countries instead of the second most populous nation in the world.

Language and Culture Orientation
After being received at the airport, an orientation is provided that familiarizes participants with the basics of the culture, etiquette and ethics of India. The session includes an overview of the history, arts, food and culture of India.

After orientation, participants are taken to their accommodations and projects where they will begin their volunteer placement. Traditional Indian food is included twice a day, in the morning and the evening.

Qualifications:
Applicants should have:
* A desire to help the people and environment of India
* Flexibility
* Self-motivation
* An openness to a new culture and a willingness to learn

Cost in US$: Please visit our website.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: World Endeavors volunteers are people from all backgrounds who are looking for a life-changing experience abroad. Our participants are of all ages and come from countries around the world. We seek to match volunteer to projects that best suit their interests and abilities in order to maximize their experience and their impact on their project.

Age Range: 18+

This Program is open to World Wide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to India Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

World Endeavors's Mission Statement: World Endeavors is a provider of unique international volunteer, internship, and study programs. Our mission is to become a catalyst for positive change in our community and the world through quality international programs.